CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Running back Jamaal Charles refuses to change his perspective. His confidence made him one of the NFL's best players for years. He believes in his ability to land on the Broncos' roster.
Yet, he has not played in a preseason game. He will. But it remains unsure when.
"He has time," coach Vance Joseph said.
The dynamic has changed slightly since camp began. The Broncos added veteran Stevan Ridley, who also plays on special teams, and rookie De'Angelo Henderson continues to impress after scoring a touchdown in the preseason opener.
"I feel comfortable. I am out here. Whenever they throw me into the fire, I will be ready," Charles said. "Everyday my reps go up, week by week. I am doing whatever they tell me to do."
Charles represented a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Broncos. He received a $900,000 base salary with a $500,000 roster bonus. The Broncos are attempting to manage his recovery from knee surgeries to allow for production later in the season. However, he needs to show enough strength in his knee to trust that will happen.
QB shuffle? Nope
Joseph has no plans to change his quarterback plans. While multiple players have suggested there is no competition remaining -- they see Trevor Siemian as the clear winner -- Paxton Lynch will start against the 49ers. Joseph called it fair to give each quarterback a chance to run with the No. 1s. Lynch and Siemian will play a quarter-and-half with Kyle Sloter taking the rest.
Sloter has impressed in limited reps. He has no delusions about entering the derby but is enjoying every minute of camp. He has attracted a following of fans, with one even creating a song about him.
"It's got a little ring to it. I kind of like it. That's cool," Sloter said before explaining where he stood on the depth chart. "It's something I went into knowing that it was going to be the Paxton and Trevor show. I am fine with that. I don't get paid to make those decisions. My job is to go out there and put the team in the best position to win."
Sloter finished his college career at Northern Colorado. He said media sessions there involved two reporters. He wasn't convinced he would pursue the NFL, nearly taking a job as a financial advisor. Then scouts began to call, pushing him to pursue his dream. His family traveled to the Chicago game, taking pictures and getting autographs from star Von Miller before the first snap.
Left of right
The competition at left guard heated up Saturday with Allen Barbre sharing first-team reps with Max Garcia. The Broncos acquired Barbre from the Eagles, believing he could challenge for the top spot. As he has grown more comfortable with the playbook, he finds himself in that position.
Joseph said he was pleased with the run blocking in the opener. Pass protection, however, needs work. Right tackle Menelik Watson allowed a sack on the offense's first snap.
Footnotes
Broncos rookie slot receiver Carlos Henderson, who has struggled to find traction at training camp, missed practice with a thumb injury. He is being evaluated. Henderson dropped two kickoffs against the Bears. ... There is no practice on Sunday. The Broncos work out Monday before heading to Santa Clara on Tuesday afternoon to begin joint practices with the 49ers.